Steve's looking for Merzbow records:

The 'Merzbox' aside (obviously!), which in-print Merzbow recordings provide a good introduction to his recorded work? And which rarities are worth stalking eBay for? Or is Merzbow simply better experienced live?

As opposed to what the uninitiated say, there are many sides to the Merzbow phenomenon, and there is something of interest in all of them. Having heard only about 20 Merzbow releases, my recommendations would be the following: * "Cloud Cock 00 Grand" This was the first (and only?) CD release on Merzbow's ZSF ("zu-su-fu") label. It's from the early nineties, and it still has a lot of ties with his collage work. Absolutely stunning. It's hard to find as only 500 were pressed. A copy went on eBay two days ago for $46.05. * "Noisembryo" This was mentioned in someone else's post already, and it's one of the highlights of the "noise electronics" period. They may still carry this at Forced Exposure * "Space Metallizer" Here's where techno's influence on Merzbow becomes apparent. There's all kinds of analog EMS tweaking, very beautiful sounds. Not as harsh as we have come to expect. * "Hard Lovin' Man" Mind-blowing album of his new-found laptop direction. Easy to find. * "Amlux" Another laptop album, and my overall favorite Merzbow album. This one has amazing sounds, especially the last track "Looping Jane". There's a remix album of this called "Merzbeat" that is also really good. I see the man has a new album called "Puroland" which I intend to get as well. I'm quite sold on his laptop stuff. I read on the net that his own favorite album of recent years if "Collapse 12 Floors", which I haven't heard. Frankco